Tape Room Music Signs Songwriter/Producer Andy Sheridan

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Tape Room’s Kelly Bolton, Blain Rhodes and Caroline Hodson; (L-R, front row): Ashley Gorley and Andy Sheridan. Photo: Courtesy of Tape Room Music

Tape Room Music, the publishing and artist development company founded by Ashley Gorley, has signed songwriter and producer Andy Sheridan to a joint venture with Red Light Management. Sheridan will work with Tape Room’s creative staff to cultivate and expand his network of co-writers while continuing to work with long-time collaborators.

“We are excited to welcome Andy to the Tape Room family,” shares Blain Rhodes, Tape Room Music President. “We’ve been big fans for a long time and look forward to sharing many hits together.”

Sheridan has played with artists Phil Vassar, Hunter Hayes and Ben Rector. He recently earned his first No. 1 on SiriusXM with Avery Anna‘s viral hit “Narcissist” and has landed other cuts by Dustin Lynch, Sam Riggs and Tyler Farr. He has also produced “Warmer” by Rascal Flatts and the music for Skipstone Pictures’ God’s Country Song, a Pure Flix Original

“I am absolutely jazzed to be at Tape Room Music,” shares Sheridan. “Ashley, Blain, Kelly [Bolton] and Caroline [Hodson] are pros and veterans in this business and I’m honored to be a part of the family. Excited to get to work!”

Corey Kent Lands First Chart-Topper With ‘Wild As Her’

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Corey Kent. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Corey Kent has scored his first No. 1 with his debut Platinum single “Wild As Her.” The song reaches the top spot at country radio this week, moving from No. 4 to No. 1 on the Mediabase chart.

“Wild As Her” has already racked up over 260 million streams to date and counting, while the song’s video garnered Kent a nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Awards.

YouTube video

In celebration of the chart-topping achievement, Kent has released a special live version of the Kelly Archer, Brett Tyler and Morgan Wallen-penned tune from his show at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“It’s been a hell of a ride to wind up here,” Kent says. “You couldn’t write a crazier script: Getting dropped, moving to Texas, working in motorcycle shops and pavement companies to provide, playing a regular gig performing in a Mexican restaurant, praying for opportunity, touring relentlessly, & trying to defy all the odds…Today is bigger than my first No. 1. Today, I get to wave the pirate flag for all of us relentless dreamers from the mountain top, as an example that no matter how hard it gets, there is always hope. I’ll never forget this one.”

“Wild As Her” will be featured on Kent’s upcoming major label debut album, Blacktop, set for release on June 2 via RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville. Kent is gearing up for his album release show on June 2 in Nashville at Brooklyn Bowl, and will end release week with a performance at CMA Fest. Later this summer Kent will hit the road on Jason Aldean’s “Highway Desperado Tour.”

Gibson Brands Elevates Elizabeth Heidt To Chief Marketing Officer

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Elizabeth Heidt

Gibson Brands has promoted Elizabeth Heidt to Chief Marketing Officer. Heidt will also join Gibson’s worldwide leadership executive team.

A seven-year veteran of Gibson, Heidt spent her early years at Gibson in Entertainment Relations, and was promoted to Vice President of Cultural Influence in 2021. Prior to Gibson, she worked in brand strategy, production and experiential marketing with House of Blues, Red Bull and Fortune 500 brands including Samsung, Hyundai, Live Nation, Verizon and AT&T.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Heidt will be responsible for overseeing Gibson Brands’ global brand and marketing teams, entertainment and artist relations, social media, partnerships, public relations, multi-media divisions as well as the Gibson Gives Foundation.

She is a board member of the Gibson Gives Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Gibson whose mission is to support nonprofits in their efforts to advance musicians, youth-focused education, music and wellness initiatives. In the last three years, Gibson Gives has raised over $3.5 million worldwide through its mission. Heidt is also on the Music Advisory Board of the Save The Music Foundation.

“We are excited to elevate and promote Beth to Chief Marketing Officer and a member of the Gibson Leadership Team. Beth has been instrumental in the success that we’ve had over the last five years,” says Cesar Gueikian, President & Interim CEO, Gibson Brands. “She has been a thought partner, leader, and a key player in shaping and implementing our global strategy. She has led our cultural influence team of artist relations and multi-media divisions, and emerged as a critical voice in how we engage with fans around the world and deliver the Gibson experience. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Beth will now lead all our marketing initiatives globally, including all aspects of cultural influence. We all look forward to working with Beth to continue to shape the sound of music.”

“It is a privilege to work with the unparalleled talent of Gibson, from our team and craftspeople to our partners and artists, whose passion and dedication is absolutely awe inspiring,” says Heidt. “It is our mission to connect and better lives through music, to enable and empower all levels of creators with our instruments, products, programs and philanthropy. It is an honor to be a part of shaping the future of music culture for Gibson and for fans worldwide.”

Why&How Partners With Red Light Management

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Why&How, the artist management home to Breland, Kaleo, Whiskey Myers, Danielle Bradbery, Chase Rice and more, has partnered with Red Light Management. Effective immediately, the new partnership aims to allow Why&How to collaborate across all areas of the music business and provide enhanced resources for its roster of clients.

Why&How was founded by industry veteran Bruce Kalmick in 2020. Now, the company boasts over 20 staff members across marketing, creative, brand endorsements and more, who will all join Red Light Management’s robust operations.

“With our new partnership, Why&How is gaining the opportunity to learn from one of the most influential executives in the music business, Coran Capshaw,” Kalmick shares. “We can’t wait to get started on this exciting new chapter.”

“We’re excited about our new partnership with Why&How,” Capshaw adds. “Bruce has put together a great group of artists as well as a very talented management team. We look forward to working alongside them to help enhance all aspects of their business.”

Russell Dickerson Announces ‘Big Wheels & Back Roads’ Fall Tour

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Russell Dickerson will launch his “Big Wheels & Back Roads Tour” on Sept. 21 in Philadelphia. Restless Road will provide support on all dates, with Parmalee and Niko Moon performing on select dates.

Tickets will be available for purchase starting Friday, May 19 with RD Fan Club presale starting Tuesday, May 16 with code RDFAM23. For more information, click here.

Dickerson will visit  Boston, Birmingham, New Orleans, Houston and more through November, hitting 13 states across the country.

“To me, there’s nothing better than performing live and getting the whole RD Fam together,” says Dickerson. “‘Big Wheels and Back Roads’ has been one of my favorite songs to sing live for a while now, so it was just the perfect fit for the name of the tour. Can’t wait to see y’all out there this fall!”

Dickerson recently guest starred on the season finale of Call Me Kat and also performed his heartfelt single, “God Gave Me A Girl,” on Today. He’s currently on the road, kicking off a packed summer of shows at fairs, festivals and more.

Phil Wickham Leads K-LOVE Fan Awards Nominations

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Nominees for the upcoming 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards have been announced, with Phil Wickham leading the pack with five nominations and Brandon Lake scoring four.

Cain, Rachael Lampa and TobyMac also garnered three nominations each. Nominees for Artist of the Year include Lake, Cain, For King & Country, Lauren Daigle, Matthew West, Phil Wickham, Steven Curtis Chapman and TobyMac. Fans can begin voting for their favorites tonight (May 15) at 6 p.m. CT at klovefanawards.com.

Cain will host the 10th annual K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 28 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. TBN will broadcast the show on June 2, preceded by the biggest weekend in Christian music, which includes annual events like the Friday night kick-off concert, Emerging Artist Showcase, Songwriter’s Showcase and Sunday Worship Service. A brand new event this year is the Saturday morning Worship In The Round.

2023 K-LOVE Fan Award Nominees:

Male Artist Of The Year:
Brandon Lake
Chris Tomlin
Jeremy Camp
Matthew West
Phil Wickham
Tobymac
Zach Williams

Female Artist Of The Year:
Anne Wilson
Brooke Ligertwood
Katy Nichole
Lauren Daigle
Natalie Grant
Rachael Lampa
Tasha Layton

Group Of The Year:
CAIN
Casting Crowns
Consumed By Fire
Elevation Worship
Maverick City Music
MercyMe
We The Kingdom

Song Of The Year:
“Build A Boat” Colton Dixon f/Gabby Barrett
“Don’t Lose Heart” Steven Curtis Chapman
“Fill My Cup” Andrew Ripp
“Gratitude” Brandon Lake
“Hymn of Heaven” Phil Wickham
“I’m So Blessed” CAIN
“Love Me Like I Am” for King & Country f/Jordin Sparks
”Perfectly Loved” Rachael Lampa f/Tobymac
“The Goodness” Tobymac f/Blessing Offor

Breakout Single:
“Ain’t Nobody” Cody Carnes
“Brighter Days” Blessing Offor
“First Things First” Consumed By Fire
“Good Lord” David Leonard
“Good Morning Mercy” Jason Crabb
“Perfectly Loved” Rachael Lampa f/Tobymac
“Who I Am” Ben Fuller

Worship Song Of The Year:
“Always” Chris Tomlin
“Gratitude” Brandon Lake
“Hymn of Heaven” Phil Wickham
“I Believe It” Jon Reddick
“Jireh” Maverick City Music
“Same God” Elevation Worship
“The Lord’s Prayer” Matt Maher
Film/TV Impact:
Family Camp
I Heard The Bells
Jesus Revolution
Lifemark
Moonrise
Running The Bases
The Chosen Season Three Finale
Book Impact:
All My Knotted Up Life – Beth Moore
Good Boundaries & Goodbyes – Lysa TerKeurst
On Our Knees – Phil Wickham
The God of the Way – Kathie Lee Gifford & Rabbi Jason
The Love Stories of the Bible Speak – Shannon Bream
The Power to Change – Craig Groeschel
Podcast Impact:
Dream Big Podcast with Bob Goff & Friends
Hey! It’s The Luskos
Lisa Harper’s Back Porch Theology
Made For This with Jennie Allen
Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast – Lysa TerKeurst
The Alisa Childers Podcast
The Candace Cameron Bure Podcast
Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson

Reba McEntire To Join ‘The Voice’ As Coach

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Reba McEntire. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC

Reba McEntire will bring her decades of experience from her iconic career to NBC’s The Voice, stepping in as a coach for season 24.

McEntire previously served as the Mega Mentor for season 23 of the singing competition show. For the coming season, she joins veteran coach John Legend and returning coaches Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani. She fills a seat left empty by Blake Shelton, who ends his tenure with The Voice this season after 23 seasons.

In addition to her new coaching gig, McEntire is getting ready to release her new lifestyle book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. The book is a collection of funny, poignant and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips and recipes. It will go on sale Oct. 10.

She is also releasing an accompanying album also titled Not That Fancy. Teaming with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the 14-track album includes stripped-down versions of some of McEntire’s most iconic songs as well as a brand new single, “Seven Minutes In Heaven.” The album is set to release Oct. 6.

Carrie Underwood Commemorates 15th Anniversary As An Opry Member

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Carrie Underwood takes the Grand Ole Opry stage to celebrate her 15th anniversary as a member. Photo: Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Carrie Underwood celebrated her 15th year as a Grand Ole Opry member this past weekend with a two-show performance. Backstage, the Opry presented her with a commemorative print and a specially-designed cake by IveyCake.

Carrie Underwood and Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers with her special commemorative print and specially-designed cake. Photo: Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo

Underwood made her Opry debut on June 10, 2005, just two weeks after winning American Idol. Her love for the Opry started as a child as she grew up watching and listening to the show, dreaming of one day performing there and even becoming a member herself. The award-winning artist was officially inducted on May 10, 2008 by fellow Oklahoman, Opry member Garth Brooks.

Additionally, Underwood completed her 43-city U.S. arena “Denim & Rhinestones Tour,” and will continue her  “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” in June. She also recently announced her exclusive year-round SiriusXM Channel, Carrie’s Country, which will also launch in June.

Underwood plans to return to the Grand Ole Opry stage for a special two-show Tuesday night on June 6 to “unofficially” kick off the milestone 50th CMA Fest week. The star-studded evening will also feature performances by The Oak Ridge Boys, Bill Anderson, Josh Turner and Lainey Wilson.

Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, More Rock 10th Annual iHeartCountry Festival

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Luke Bryan performs at the 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival. Photo: Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio

The 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place May 13 at Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

Kane Brown performs at the 10th annual iHeartCountry Festival. Photo: Rachel Kaplan for iHeartRadio

Broadcasting across iHeart’s country music radio stations and iHeartRadio.com, the event featured sets from Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce, Sam Hunt, Elle King, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny Bailey Zimmerman, Priscilla Block, Cooper Alan and surprise guest Brothers Osborne.

Bryan kicked off the 2023 iHeartCountry Festival with an electric performance of some of his biggest hits throughout his career, including “I Don’t Want This Night to End,” “One Margarita” and “Country Girl.” Pearce lit up the stage with her bold breakup anthem, “Diamondback,” and she delivered an unforgettable performance of her hits including “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

Hunt performed many of his hits throughout his career-spanning set, including “House Party,” “23,” “Hard To Forget,” “Body Like A Back Road” and “Break Up In A Small Town.” Brown closed out the night with “Lose It,” “Like I Love Country Music,” “One Mississippi,” “Heaven,” “Bury Me In Georgia,” and “Good As You.” Just when fans thought the show was over, he brought out his wife, Katelyn Brown, to help him sing “Thank God.”

Zac Brown Receives Honorary Degree From Alma Mater, University of West Georgia

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Zac Brown received and Honorary Doctorate Degree of Humane Letters from the University of West Georgia on May 13, 2023 in The Coliseum as part of the May 2023 Commencement.

Zac Brown received an honorary degree from the University of West Georgia during its spring commencement ceremonies at the university’s campus in Carrollton, Georgia on Saturday (May 13).

The Georgia native attended UWG in the late ’90s, and accepted the honorary doctorate of humane letters in front of more than 4,700 graduates and their loved ones at the ceremony, sharing with graduates—now his fellow alumni—several truths that he has learned during his career.

“I am so happy to be here celebrating your graduation with you today, and it is an honor to come back home—where it all started for me,” said Brown in his acceptance remarks. “Find something that you love to do and give it all you have because you win when you love what you do. Be yourself and see the world as you want it to be.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive an honorary degree from the University of West Georgia,” he continued. “As a former student, I have always valued my time at UWG and the impact it had on my life and career. To be recognized in this way is truly special, and I hope to continue to inspire future generations of students to pursue their passions with dedication and perseverance.”

“We are thrilled to call Zac—who has demonstrated his talents in a career as a musician, philanthropist and entrepreneur—one of our own at the University of West Georgia,” said Dr. Brendan Kelly, UWG’s president. “Awarding him this honorary doctorate instills a sense of pride in the institution for everyone in our university community. His commitment to giving back and supporting the next generation of leaders is an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for his commitment to remain connected to his alma mater.”

The degree recognizes Brown’s contributions to the music industry, his philanthropy, and his deep roots in Georgia and UWG. Brown was raised in Dahlonega, educated at Lumpkin County High School and then attended what was then called West Georgia College, where he was a member of the Zeta Kappa chapter of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.

Since founding the Zac Brown Band in 2002, Brown and the band have released numerous Platinum albums, won three Grammy Awards—including Best New Artist in 2010—sold more than 30 million singles and nine million albums, amassed more than 10 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 No. 1 radio singles and were the second act to top both the country and active rock formats.

Brown also founded Camp Southern Ground, a nonprofit camp in Fayetteville dedicated to serving youth and veterans. During summer months, CSG hosts kids ages 7-17 for week-long, inclusive, residential camps, bringing together typically developing children, children with neurodevelopmental differences (Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADD, ADHD), underserved children, and children from military families to participate in programs that challenge, educate and inspire. The rest of the year is dedicated to supporting post-9/11 veterans with programs helping in the transition to civilian life after military service.